THOMAS FISTER

ABOUT

After spending more than 22 years working as an Analytical Chemist in contract analytical labs, I’m now working as an independent consultant helping clients design analytical experiments and helping to manage these projects along the way.  The labs for which I’ve worked specialize in surface analysis and materials characterization.  Much of my time in these labs was spent interfacing with clients which involved listening to their analytical goals, making testing recommendations as to what techniques to use and what type of samples to submit for analysis, performing analyses and tying the results together following data acquisition.  My desire has always been in explaining the plan and subsequent analyses to the client in a clear and timely manner.  My passion for providing impeccable customer service has always been a key driving force.  

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My career has allowed me to talk with a large number of interesting individuals from a wide variety of industries including the semiconductor, aerospace, consumer product, LED, solar, automotive, biomedical device, pharmaceutical industries as well as with university and government labs.  Further, I have had both the pleasure and advantage of working with numerous colleagues who are some of the most talented, knowledgeable and passionate individuals within the field for a large number of analytical instruments.  Thanks to their willingness to share freely their expertise, I’ve learned much from them. 

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My previous work also involved managing teams of analytical chemists.  In this role it was my responsibility to hire people who had both the appropriate skill set and the necessary people skills to make the portion of the lab reporting to me successful.  Matching individual’s talents and interests with the goals of the company can be challenging but an extremely rewarding experience as the members come together and form a tight-knit cohesive team with the company’s goals in focus.  One management role gave me the opportunity to assist a group of newly minted managers grow and excel in their roles.  Being able to help others avoid the mistakes made in one’s own career so that they can excel as leaders is gratifying.